PhD and MPhil degrees

Undertaking a research degree provides you with an exciting opportunity to determine your own research specialism. By choosing to study with us, postgraduate students benefit from working with specialists in their respective fields who have national and international reputations.

Students undertaking research degrees register for the award with which they intend to graduate either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or an MPhil (Master of Philosophy).

Areas of research

We welcome potential postgraduate students in all of the subject areas listed below.

This form is circulated to the appropriate academics and any supervision options identified. An interview can then be arranged.

You are advised to review the University's research specialisms before completing a speculative application.

Loans

You can read more about the scheme on the UK PhD loans page on the FindaPhD website and on the gov.uk website. Please note the amount of the loan will be paid over the maximum period of candidature (four years for full time and seven years for part time).

Entry Requirements full MPhil/ PhD registration

The standard requirement for an MPhil/PhD is a first or upper-second honours degree and/or usually a relevant Master's degree. Candidates with other qualifications are considered individually on their merits. All students are interviewed by their potential supervisor(s) and a Research Degree Coordinator or nominated other.

The research project must be 'approved' by the Research Degrees Group 3 months (full time) / 6 months (part time) into candidature.

The Research Degrees Group will take account of the field in which you wish to work, the availability of resources, the nature of the University’s current research strengths, and the particular needs that you may have for specialist facilities.

All projects are considered by two experienced scrutineers who advise on the strengths and weaknesses of the research proposals presented to the Group.